Poem Comparisons

Question 1

War Photographer and Originally commonality

Answer 1

Dealing with reflection on the past
War Photographer is written in third person - Showing the photographer reflecting with delayed shock after returning home to England, on experiences of working, taking pictures, capturing horrific images, in war zones around the world.
Originally is written in first person from poets own perspective. Reflecting on her resignation to the fact that change occurs through the process of growing up and identity loss after emigration.

Question 2

Anne Hathaway, Mrs Midas, Havisham and Valentine commonality

Answer 2

All four poems deal with the theme of love
Anne Hathaway portrays love that is mutual, passionate, fulfilling
Mrs Midas portrays love that has been ruined by the fiancé jilting the bride, turning love to hatred
Valentine portrays love that is initially mutual, passionate, but shows it can be ruined in time by possessiveness which becomes dangerous, “Lethal” to relationships

All four poems also deal with the idea of marriage and the ending of relationships

Question 3

Five of the six poems deal with time and memories not fading

Answer 3

War photographer shows time bringing about delayed shock when the developing photographs remind the photographer of the horrific original experiences. His memories don’t fade over time.

Anne Hathaway shows memories of her time with her husband being preserved and not fading. Stored in the “casket” own mind.

Question 4

Anne Hathaway, Mrs Midas and Havisham commonality

Answer 4

These three poems are written in persona of the wives/women ‘behind’ their possibly better known men.
Duffy offers a female perspective as these personae reflect on their relationships with these men.
Written in first person.